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Month: March 2023

Published on Leave a comment on Holy Family Time: March 31st

Friday: Trust

Pray: Begin by making the sign of the cross and calling upon God’s name.

From God to us, from death to life, from me to you …
in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O God, today as we study our Small Catechism, may we come to love and trust you more. Teach us all that you would have us know, so that we can become the people you want us to be. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Listen: Pay close attention to this reminder from Luther’s Small Catechism.

[The benefit of Holy Communion] is pointed out in these words: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” Through these words the forgiveness of sin, life, and salvation are given to us in the Sacrament, for where there is forgiveness of sin, there is also life and salvation. (Luther’s Small Catechism)

Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.

Child: Why do you think Jesus would choose to be present with us through something as simple and basic as bread and wine?

Child: Why does Jesus come to us again and again to give us his forgiveness? Why is that something we need on a regular basis?

Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.

Heavenly Father, you look at your people and see how much we need you in our lives. In worship, you meet us where we are and give us hope. We are so thankful that we can trust you with everything! In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.

May you feel the grace and forgiveness of God! Amen.

Published on Leave a comment on Holy Family Time: March 30th

Thursday: Compassion

Pray: Begin by making the sign of the cross and calling upon God’s name.

From God to us, from death to life, from me to you …
in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Dear God, stir up your Holy Spirit in us and draw us closer to you. As we read and learn, help us to see the many ways you show compassion for your people. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Listen: Pay close attention as the Bible story is read in the form of a rhyme.

Jesus and his friends sat down
At a table, gathered ‘round
And as he divided bread
Jesus thanked our God and said:

“Take and eat, this is for you.
Take the wine, and share it, too.
Do this to remember me
And with you I’ll always be.”

So his friends did as he said,
Passing wine and sharing bread;
Judas ate, but did not smile
(He would leave in just a while).

Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.

Child: Who helps distribute Communion in your church? What do you think it would be like to give Holy Communion to others?

Child: When you receive Holy Communion, Jesus is with you and forgives your sins. How does knowing that affect your feelings about Communion?

Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.

Holy God, thank you so much for caring for us, and for reaching out to us every time we receive Communion! Give us the courage to invite others to church, so that they may receive your love and forgiveness in this special way, as well. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.

May you invite a friend to church!  Amen.

Published on Leave a comment on Holy Family Time: March 29th

Wednesday: Mercy

Pray: Begin by making the sign of the cross and calling upon God’s name.

From God to us, from death to life, from me to you …
in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty God, thank you for your mercy, which is new every morning. As we study our Bible story now, be with us, and help us come to love Jesus all the more! In his holy name we pray. Amen.

Listen: Pay close attention as these verses from the Bible are read aloud.

Luke 22:17-19
Jesus took a cup of wine in his hands and gave thanks to God. Then he told the apostles, “Take this wine and share it with each other. I tell you that I will not drink any more wine until God’s kingdom comes.” Jesus took some bread in his hands and gave thanks for it. He broke the bread and handed it to his apostles. Then he said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Eat this as a way of remembering me!” (CEV)

Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.

Child: Even as Jesus was facing death, he gave thanks to God. How can it be helpful to give thanks during hard times?

Child: Have you ever stopped to give thanks while you were worried or suffering? Did that change how you felt in any way?

Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.

God of grace, thank you for the gift of Holy Communion, where Jesus is present in, with, and under the bread and wine. We are so thankful that we can worship freely and receive the Sacraments together. May we never take this gift for granted! We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.

May you always find a reason to thank God! Amen.

Published on Leave a comment on Holy Family Time: Mach 28th

Tuesday: Struggle

Pray: Begin by making the sign of the cross and calling upon God’s name.

From God to us, from death to life, from me to you …
in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lord God, as we work through our Bible story today help us to see how much Jesus gave for us. Draw us closer to you as we study, and strengthen our faith every day. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Listen: Pay close attention as these verses from the Bible are read aloud.

Luke 22:14-16
When the time came for Jesus and the apostles to eat, he said to them, “I have very much wanted to eat this Passover meal with you before I suffer. I tell you that I will not eat another Passover meal until it is finally eaten in God’s kingdom.” (CEV)

Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.

Child: Jesus wanted to eat with his friends before he faced a very hard time. How can being with other people bring us comfort when we are struggling or afraid?

Child: If you knew that a meal might be your last, how would you feel as you ate it? What do you think helped Jesus stay calm during his last supper?

Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.

Heavenly Father, we can hardly imagine what Jesus must have felt during his last days on earth. But we know that he looked to you for strength, and that he faced his trials bravely. Help us to remember to do the same, no matter what challenges come our way. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.

May you look to God for strength! Amen.

Published on Leave a comment on Holy Family Time: March 27th

Monday: Understanding

Pray: Begin by making the sign of the cross and calling upon God's name.

From God to us, from death to life, from me to you …
in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O God, as we start another week of work and school, lead us forward. Help us to learn from Jesus as we read our Bible story. Open our minds and hearts so that we may come to understand how very much he loved us — and loves us still. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Listen: Pay close attention as these verses from the Bible are read aloud.

Luke 22:14-22
When the time came for Jesus and the apostles to eat, he said to them, “I have very much wanted to eat this Passover meal with you before I suffer. I tell you that I will not eat another Passover meal until it is finally eaten in God’s kingdom.”

Jesus took a cup of wine in his hands and gave thanks to God. Then he told the apostles, “Take this wine and share it with each other. I tell you that I will not drink any more wine until God’s kingdom comes.”
Jesus took some bread in his hands and gave thanks for it. He broke the bread and handed it to his apostles. Then he said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Eat this as a way of remembering me!”

After the meal he took another cup of wine in his hands. Then he said, “This is my blood. It is poured out for you, and with it God makes his new agreement. The one who will betray me is here at the table with me! The Son of Man will die in the way that has been decided for him, but it will be terrible for the one who betrays him!” (CEV)

Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.

Child: Jewish people have a Passover meal to remember when God “passed over” their homes and saved their first-born sons. What do Christians remember when we have the Holy Communion meal?

Child: How old were you when you first had Holy Communion? What did you think about it back then? What do you understand about it now? (If you haven’t yet begun receiving Communion, what do you think it is about?)

Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.

Heavenly Father, you loved us even when were most un-loveable. When we receive Holy Communion, help us to remember this, and to thankfully receive the forgiveness you so feely offer. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have each person in the family bless one another with these words:

May you remember how much Jesus loves you! Amen.

Published on Leave a comment on Holy Family Time: March 23rd

Thursday: Compassion

Pray: Begin by making the sign of the cross and calling upon God’s name.

From God to us, from death to life, from me to you …
in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Dear God, please send your Holy Spirit to inspire us as we study today. Teach us all that you would have us know, and draw us ever closer to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Listen: Pay close attention as the Bible story is read in the form of a rhyme.

Jesus smiled and rode along
On a donkey, young and strong,
As a joyful, happy crowd
Called to him in voices loud.

Waving branches in the air,
No one seemed to have a care.
For they knew that Christ had come
And he was God’s Holy One.

But some others were not glad.
They were even rather mad
As they heard the people shout.
These men wanted Jesus out!

Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.

Child: What happened on Palm Sunday was like a parade! Have you ever seen a parade? Why do you think the crowds were so excited that Jesus was coming?

Child: Why do you think there were some people that day who were upset when they saw how much the crowds liked Jesus? Have you ever felt jealous when someone received praise instead of you?

Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.

Holy God, like the crowds from long ago, we are so glad to have Jesus in our lives! Help us to remain faithful, and to stay true to him no matter what challenges we face. Give us joy in praising our Lord and honoring him as our hero. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.

May Jesus fill you with joy!  Amen.

Published on Leave a comment on Holy Family Time: March 22nd

Wednesday: Mercy

Pray  Begin by making the sign of the cross and calling upon God’s name.

From God to us, from death to life, from me to you …
in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty God, thank you for this day, and for the many ways you show mercy to your people. As we read our Bible story now, be with us, and help us to learn more about what it means to follow Jesus. In his holy name we pray. Amen.

Listen: Pay close attention as these verses from the Bible are read aloud.

Luke 19:36-38
As Jesus rode along, the people spread clothes on the road in front of him. When Jesus was starting down the Mount of Olives, his large crowd of disciples was happy and praised God because of all the miracles they had seen. They shouted, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory to God.”  (CEV)

Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.

Child: The people called Jesus, “the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” How was Jesus different from an ordinary, earthly king?

Child: Do you think it was unusual that Jesus, the King of kings, rode into Jerusalem on a lowly donkey? Does that tell you something about the kind of king that Jesus is?

Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.

God of grace, thank you for sending your Son into the world to be our King, and for showing us what it means to be humble. Help us to listen to Jesus and faithfully follow him each day. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.

May you be glad to follow Jesus! Amen.